Italian > Lasagna > Regional Variations

Formaggetta della Valle Argentina Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound Formaggetta della Valle Argentina cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking meat and onion

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

4. Add pasta sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together shredded Formaggetta della Valle Argentina cheese, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley.

6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of cheese mixture.

7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 1220mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 38g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Formaggetta della Valle Argentina cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles for a healthier option.
- Add sliced black olives to the cheese mixture for a Mediterranean twist.

Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the lasagna from sticking to the foil, spray the foil with cooking spray before covering the dish.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set and prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place a slice of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, place the lasagna in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, reduce the amount of water in the meat sauce.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Formaggetta della Valle Argentina is a cheese that originated in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, creamy flavor.

Flavor profiles:
This lasagna has a rich and savory flavor from the meat sauce and a creamy, cheesy flavor from the Formaggetta della Valle Argentina and ricotta cheese.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this lasagna as a main dish for a family dinner or potluck. It is also great for meal prep and can be reheated for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Flavorful, Creamy, Tangy